KSA and Blum feature in May issue of Africa Design Magazine

29th April 2015

Wonderful Decorex CT

Decorex CT has just come to an end. Participating KSA members were very happy with the quality of visitors and felt the show was a great success.

The Franke 'Make it Wonderful' kitchen feature was a superb addition to the show and allowed the KSA to show the public the different applications of design like ergonomics, making the most of compact spaces, greening and timber. Congratulations to Joos Joiners who took the prize for their showcase of ergonomic design winning R10 000 of Franke product.

Congratulations must also go to Caesarstone who took the award for best stand at show and Kitchen Studio who won the best kitchen stand award.

Special thanks to KDMax, Joos Joiners and Eclipse for their assistance with the KSA stand.

29th April 2015

Why you should protect yourself against unscrupulous kitchen industry opperators

This article that appeared in a JHB newspaper recently highlights how easy it is to be taken for a ride by unscrupulous operators in the kitchen industry. We are not saying that all companies who are not registered with the KSA are disreputable but what guarantees do you have? Working with a KSA member is the only way to put a safety net in place for recourse should something go wrong during the process of getting your new kitchen.

17th April 2015

Superb product evening held in CT

KSA CT held their first product evening of 2015 on Thursday night. The event hosted at Smeg by Smeg, ProQuartz and Compusoft was a huge success with 120 industry players in attendance. Guests were treated to delicious food prepared by Smeg's in-house chef, Stacey Chan, and had the opportunity to win one of two lucky drawer prizes supplied by ProQuartz and Compusoft. Each host did a short presentation on what is new and happening in their businesses then the guests were free to network and catch up with their industry colleagues.

15th April 2015

Join Hirsch for their Focus on Kitchens day

Hirsch’s are offering KSA members a unique opportunity to showcase their company and products to their client base of consumers and industry professionals. To celebrate their anniversary they are dedicating a Saturday to all things kitchen and would like their fellow KSA members to participate by showcasing their companies in the Hirsch store.

Hirsch will be promoting the day to their extensive database of consumers and industry professionals to ensure there is a steady stream of people who want to know more about kitchens. The KSA will also be giving a talk during the course of the day on ‘what you need to know when planning for a new kitchen’.

This is a unique opportunity and we hope you will agree to be involved.

14th April 2015

Franke launches their 'Make it Wonderful' campaign

Wonderful makes a house into a home and turns work into play. It’s the antidote to all things ordinary. Wonderful captivates, inspires and excites and never ceases to amaze. Wonderful is what drives us…

The ‘Make it Wonderful’ slogan essentially refers to the founding principle of the Franke brand. By ‘wonderful’, we’re talking about that magical element that turns the everyday into the extraordinary, and in the kitchen, that special ingredient that turns work into play, a house into a home.

Franke Kitchen Systems is the world’s leading manufacturer of Stainless Steel sinks worldwide – with over 100 years of experience! Using precision Swiss engineering, our sinks our manufactured with Austenitic Stainless Steel which ensures the finest quality and durability. More than 90% of our products are locally manufactured and produced in South Africa.

When designing a kitchen it has become more important to ensure that space limitations do not limit the possibilities of design and functionality. Kitchens are no longer just a food preparation area or scullery, they are a place where families and friends socially interact with one another, the heart of the home! Franke boasts a comprehensive range of beautiful, stylish sinks, sleek and functional mixers, accessories and waste management products so suit any kitchen layout inspiring creativity and design. Our products are not only aesthetically pleasing, but functional too!

At Franke, we want to make your kitchen a more wonderful place.
We want to make everything we do wonderful - from what we manufacture and design, to the way we deal with our partners, customers and each other.
A place where laughter is louder, smiles run deeper, and life is lived fuller. How?
By designing products that ask for less, yet give you more in return. With smarter features, genuine innovation, and an unshakable love of beautiful design.

9th April 2015

KSA and Inspire trade show working together

KSA is embarking on a very exciting collaboration with Inspire Trade Expo for their show taking place in June 2015. Inspire is a unique expo offering you an opportunity for B2B marketing. This is very different to the usual consumer driven shows with smaller numbers but where the attendants are architects, interior designers, buyers, builders, specifiers etc. – all of whom can further your business locally and into Africa.

Inspire has put together a proposal for a KSA member collaborative space that will allow you to test this unique show at a cost effective price. This collaborative areas has the potential to be a superb marketing tool for both the KSA’s profile and you as participating members. The rates are accommodating enough to allow members from Cape Town & KZN to participate too and it is a must if you are wanting to explore business opportunities into Africa and increase your profile among industry professionals.

7th April 2015

Save the date!

SAVE THESE DATES!!!! Our 2015 regional AGM’s will be the most important events we will hold during 2015. We will be showcasing the association’s financials, conducting a ‘state of the company’ questionnaire as well as giving you vital feedback on our achievements for 2014 and our goals for the next few years. Ensure you are in the know and contributing to your industry by being there!

1st April 2015

Join KSA CT for their 1st product evening for 2015

Join the KSA CT and hosts Smeg, ProQuartz and Compusoft for their first product evening for 2015.

Date: 15 April 2015
Time: 6pm
Venue: Smeg CT
RSVP: capetown@ksa.co.za

Don't miss a great opportunity to learn more about our host companies and network with your industry colleagues.

Contact:

capetown@ksa.co.za

1st April 2015

Latest edition of Africa Design Magazine

Read the latest edition of Africa Design Magazine with an article by the KSA on 'Making the most of a small kitchen' on pages 20-21.

31st March 2015

DECOREX DURBAN A TRIUMPH FOR EXHIBITORS AND VISITORS ALIKE

Decorex Durban 2015 drew to a close with visitors and exhibitors describing the four-day
showcase of the city’s décor, design and lifestyle talent a triumph for both home owners looking for great décor inspiration as well as professionals in the industry.

Declared a resounding success by organisers and exhibitors alike, the show gave more than 20 100 visitors an abundance of take-home inspiration and practical ideas, in keeping with this year’s theme, “Decorex: The Home of Great Ideas.”

“With many of the region’s leading designers and decorators exhibiting at Decorex Durban 2015, the show really represented a comprehensive display of the wealth of top talent on offer in KwaZulu-Natal,” said Sian Gutstadt, General Manager of Decorex SA.

New to this year’s exhibition was the first ever Creative Business Exchange, a half-day conference sponsored by Caesarstone and an unmatched opportunity for small creative business owners to be stimulated in a creative-thinking environment with a view to taking their businesses to the next level.Facilitated by creative consultant and design blogger, Nadia van der Mescht, the Creative Business Exchange was attended by designers, decorators, architects, retailer and product designers – all who said they drew
immense inspiration from hearing key industry players share their success stories and the methods they rely on.

The province’s wildly innovative kitchen designers also had the chance to flaunt their creative colours, not to mention their inspired interpretation of this year’s biggest kitchen trends, in the Franke Make it Wonderful Kitchen Trend Project. Here, four unique kitchens gave practical application to new directions in ergonomics, greening, space efficiency and more. Congratulations to KSA members Cole's Kitchens and Crestwood Kitchens who took the focus on the Timber kitchen and the Ergonomic kitchen respectively. Huge thanks to Franke for making this project possible. We look forward to seeing what the project will bring to the fore in Cape Town and Gauteng.

The prestigious Best stand awards were awarded to: ‘Best Overall Stand’ - KSA member Caesarstone The judges also gave ‘Excellence’ awards to a number of other high-end exhibitors, credited with setting the scene for trend-forward South Africans. KSA members Neolith and Rudy's Choice were among those awarded.

4th March 2015

Caesarstone launch their new-look kitchen design competition

Caesarstone has launched their new-look Caesarstone Kitchen of the Year competition in a bid to find South Africa’s most amazing, new kitchen design.

This year designers and homeowners will combine their powers to enter their kitchen masterpieces for a chance to win exciting TV exposure and R50,000 each!

“We’ve seen a shift in the industry where homeowners are the most involved they’ve ever been when it comes to conceptualising their kitchen designs,” says Caesarstone South Africa’s marketing director, Trevor King. He says that designers bring their expertise and experience to the table, but have to take their clients’ tastes and needs into consideration in order to create a successful kitchen design.

Trevor adds, “In many instances it’s the close collaboration between the homeowner and the designer that makes for the best design outcome.”
“One of the things we love about this competition is that it exposes the public to top, local kitchen design and top, local kitchen designers,” says Caesarstone South Africa communications manager, Lisa Aspeling. With design tools like Pinterest at our fingertips, good design has become paramount to homeowners, especially since design - specifically kitchen design - factors hugely into home resale value.

Lisa continues, “Just as having Caesarstone finishes in the home positively affect a property’s perceived value, so creating a design-sensitive kitchen contributes significantly to a home’s overall value”.

Past winners of the competition have not only won cash prizes and coveted media exposure, but often enjoy a demand for their design expertise shortly after winning. Beth Gillitt (competition winner in 2012 and 2014) soon had a waiting list for her work, with enquiries coming from as far afield as The Netherlands. In 2014 she was headhunted for an illustrious position in Dubai.

With the kitchen now considered the central, shared space in any house, it makes sense that homeowners and designers are paying so much attention to the design of this integral space.
“We think that this competition offers insights into what’s happening in South African kitchen design, and gives the kitchen the attention it so deserves,” says King.

Kitchens that have been installed between 1 January 2014 and 15 July 2015 are eligible for entry and must feature Caesarstone surfaces.
Caesarstone is calling on homeowners and designers to enter their design or nominate their favourite kitchen.

March edition of Africa Design Magazine features KSA

17th February 2015

Kitchens trend at Decorex Durban

2015’s biggest kitchen trends, not to mention the very latest state-of-the-art kitchen products and appliances, will be on show at this year’s edition of Decorex SA, the country’s three-part exhibition showcase of South Africa’s foremost décor and design talent.

Sponsored by world-leading Franke Kitchen Systems, the ‘Franke Make it Wonderful Kitchen Trends’ feature will launch at Decorex Durban in March and promises a look at revolutionary developments in kitchen-design thinking, giving practical application to new directions in ergonomics, greening, space efficiency and more.

Look out for the ‘Franke Make it Wonderful Kitchen Trends’ update at Decorex Cape Town in April and Decorex Joburg in August.

Endorsed by the Kitchen Specialists Association of South Africa (KSA), the expo’s must-see feature will have each province’s top kitchen manufacturers creating four very unique kitchens, each fitted with products from Franke’s award-winning range. The stands will be judged by a panel of experts and the creator of the winning kitchen design at each show will receive a phenomenal R10 000 worth of Franke products.

“What Decorex and 100% Design South Africa continue to show us is that South Africa has immense talent capable of setting standards on a global design platform,” says Sian Steyn, General Manager of Decorex SA. “This collaboration with Franke Kitchen Systems encourages local kitchen designers to flaunt their skill, and ‘make it wonderful’ in the process.”

Franke SA’s National Sales Manager, Clinton Soutter, explains further: “The ‘Make it Wonderful’ slogan essentially refers to the founding principle of the Franke brand. By ‘wonderful’, we’re talking about that magic element that turns the everyday into the extraordinary, and, in the kitchen, that special ingredient that turns work into play; a house into a home.”

Stephanie Forbes, National Manager of the Kitchen Specialists Association (KSA) said the KSA was excited to be working with Franke and Decorex SA on this project.
“As the only industry body that exists to support the kitchen industry, the KSA has always prided itself in having members that strive for the best quality and service. Now, as part of the ‘Franke Make it Wonderful’ project, they will get the opportunity to truly push the boundaries of design. It is vital to the KSA that our name is recognisable to consumers as a mark of professionalism, safety and recourse and by endorsing a project like this we not only heighten consumer awareness about the KSA, and what we do, but also support the industry as they strive to showcase exactly what the South African kitchen industry is capable of.”

One of the biggest trends in kitchen design over recent years has been the shift from pure utilitarian workspace to social living room and this essential aspect of all our lifestyles will form an important part of the ‘Franke Make it Wonderful Kitchen Trends’ feature.
“Kitchens have become the focal point of the home where family and friends gather, not just to cook and clean but also to interact and entertain,” says Carlo Di Pietro of Crestwood in Hillcrest, winner of the Best Kitchen & Bathroom Stand at Decorex 2013 and one of the four participant manufacturers in the ‘Franke Make it Wonderful Kitchen Trends’ feature at Decorex Durban this year.
According to Di Pietro, “Ninety percent of new home designs include open-plan kitchens, which means the kitchen space becomes part of the overall look and feel of a home, part of the décor so to speak.”

Four hard-hitting kitchen trends will be the focus of the designer kitchen feature. Says Soutter: “With living space at a premium nowadays, compact kitchens are an increasing reality, presenting the challenge of creating functional yet beautiful small work places fitted with hardworking multifunctional tools. The key here is to not to allow space constrictions to limit the possibilities of design and, instead, to create kitchens in which performance and aesthetics are in perfect harmony.”

Add to smart design, versatile ergonomics, continues Soutter: “Another major trend is the current focus on efficiency, where every area within in the kitchen – and every product in it – is maximised to the full. Take the crucial positioning of the sink and cooking appliances, for instance – these are the most utilised areas in the kitchen, yet, all too often, are neglected in the design. Good ergonomics is about creating a seamless flow from one workspace to the next, and, indeed, a seamless flow between the kitchen itself and the rest of the house.”

Greening is another of the big themes: “Think recycled materials and earth-friendly products, and plenty of natural light, with the aim of literally bringing the garden into the kitchen,” hints Soutter.
And, in line with eco-chic design, expect an emphasis on timber in natural, earthy tones, textures and finishes. “Authenticity is the abiding theme here,” Soutter explains, adding that the intended look is warm and inviting on the one hand, and deeply personal on the other.”
That said, Soutter is quick to point out that a return to nature by no means signals a disregard for the conveniences of modern-day living. “Technology plays a key role in our lives and its entry into our kitchens continues unabated,” he maintains.

While excited about participating in the ‘Franke Make it Wonderful Kitchen Trends’, Crestwood’s Di Pietro (no doubt with his eyes on that R10 000 Franke-product prize!) is playing his cards close to his chest. What he will reveal about his intended installation, however, is that visitors to Decorex Durban 2015 can expect a broadening of palette and materials in what has traditionally being a fairly monochromatic space: “There’s a definite move towards the use of more than just two or three colours and materials in today’s kitchen designs,” he says. “Mixing up the various elements adds textural interest and, ultimately, lends a more enduring, timeless appeal.”

Decorex CT exhibitor's briefing on 26 February 2015

9th February 2015

KSA members invited to Global Greentag events.

Ecospecifier would like to invite KSA members to two Global Greentag events. These events will assist you in educating yourselves on what is required to be green rates, how to get your product green rated and how to get yourself specified on green projects. This is a must for all members who want to increase their footprint in green building.

The first seminar is a free talk on 'How to increase product sales into Green Star SA Interior Projects:

The Cape Institute for Architecture has assessed and validated this as a Category One CPD Activity. The activity carries 0.3 CPD credits Cost: GBCSA/CIFA/SAIA/ASAQS/GIFA Members: R350.00 including VAT Non-Members: R450.00 including VAT

6th February 2015

Don't forget to enter the Eclipse competition

2nd February 2015

Don't miss the February edition of Africa Design

Don't miss the February edition of Africa Design magazine. The KSA is featured on pages 26 and 27 with the story of a consumer who came to the KSA for help after a non-member job went horribly wrong. See how things could have been different had he opted to appoint a KSA member to do his kitchen.

29th January 2015

ISS opens a branch in Zimbabwe

Leading South African stone surface distributor, International Slab Sales, has opened a branch in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Supplier of top quality granite, marble, onyx and engineered stone surfaces, International Slab Sales is the sole Southern African wholesaler of Caesarstone, Café Quartz and Rudi’s Choice surfaces. They also carry The Africa Range Namibian granite.

Market-leading engineered quartz surface, Caesarstone, will be in supply, along with trending marble materials and a wide variety of granite surfaces.

Damien Whelan, manager of the new Harare branch, invites all fabricators, kitchen designers, interior designers, architects and property developers to attend the branch launch event, taking place on 18 February at the branch in Msasa. Guests will be treated to a tour of the facility, delicious refreshments and live entertainment.

“International Slab Sales is bringing a wide variety of top quality products, and excellent service in stone trading to the Zimbabwean market,” says Whelan. “We are looking forward to bringing the most comprehensive selection of luxury and affordable stone surfaces to Zimbabweans for their homes, commercial premises and construction developments,” he adds.
Although the branch has been open since August, the official launch will be taking place on 18 February. The International Slab Sales board members will be in attendance at the event.

24th January 2015

Caesarstone’s Youtube video Best Modern Kitchen Design Trends 2015 reached 50,000 views this week with the number of views still climbing steadily.
With excellence in design a key value for the luxury Caesarstone quartz surfaces brand, it comes as no surprise that they now produce video content for Youtube, focusing on inspiring, beautiful kitchens.

In April 2014, Caesarstone took a film crew to Milan, Italy to attend Eurocucina – widely considered to be the ultimate kitchen design fair in the world – in order to bring the hottest kitchen design trends back to South Africans.

Because kitchen design trends shift gradually, Eurocucina is only held every second year. This explains why the April 2014 content is still relevant for 2015 kitchen design inspiration.
“While we’re expecting to see some shifts in colour and popular materials for high-end kitchens, the top kitchen design trends we spotted at Eurocucina 2014 will still remain hugely relevant to homeowners and designers in 2015,” says Caesarstone presenter and communications manager, Lisa Aspeling.

She continues, “Now more than ever, homeowners are taking control of major design elements in their homes with the help of creative idea sharing platforms such as Facebook, Pinterest and websites such as Houzz.com. Homeowners want to see what’s out there in terms of high quality products and design ideas.”

Caesarstone’s penchant for kitchen design extends beyond Youtube. The past 5 years have seen the brand hosting a national kitchen design competition, where kitchen designers, architects and interior designers are invited to enter their most stunning kitchen designs installed during the past year.

“We want to celebrate beautiful kitchen design in South Africa, and provide a platform for excellent designers to be recognised,” says Caesarstone marketing director, Trevor King.

Caesarstone will begin calling for entries to their annual kitchen design competition in the coming weeks, when they will also release their popular annual article on forthcoming kitchen design trends for the year.

23rd January 2015

Decorex Cape Town - the must see design event - put the date in your diary

The ultimate stage for the Mother City’s leading décor and design talents, this year’s Decorex Cape Town takes place on Friday 24th April 2015 and runs until Monday the 27th April at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

A major calendar highlight for those seeking both practical ideas and creative inspiration, this year’s show is evocatively themed “Decorex: Home of Great Ideas” and promises the very latest in décor and lifestyle-related products and services, from fabrics, furnishings and accessories to bold new innovations in kitchens, bathrooms, technology and home DIY.

Connecting creatives in the country’s undisputed design capital, Decorex Cape Town showcases established and independent brands as well as new designer talent, while, at the same time, providing a great day out.
Decorex Cape Town is open from 10am to 7pm daily (6pm on Monday), and ticket prices are R80 for adults, R70 for trade, pensioners and students and R15 for children.

22nd January 2015

DECOREX DURBAN: THE PLACE TO DO BUSINESS IN 2015

Trade registration for Decorex Durban is now open at www.decorex.co.za, offering complimentary access to Decorex Durban for all members of the décor, design, construction and allied industries who pre-register on the Decorex SA website.

Decorex Durban is not only considered the premier showcase of KwaZulu-Natal’s leading designers and a great place for consumers to pick up on new décor trends, but it is also the definitive destination for industry professionals to explore the very latest products and services, either in the sector relevant to their own business or across the entire design industry.

The exhibition takes place from 19th March to 22nd March 2015 at the Durban Exhibition Centre and gives both visitors and exhibitors the opportunity to discover national industry leaders and exciting new local players. On show are the very latest and best products, from fabrics, furnishings and décor accessories to bold new innovations in kitchens, bathrooms, technology and home DIY. Look out, too, for the 2015 Colour Forecast, presented by co-headline sponsor Plascon.

This year Decorex Durban is evocatively themed, “The Home of the Great Idea”, and promises visitors a feast of useful takeaway ideas and inspiration.

Connecting designers with design lovers, Decorex Durban provides the ultimate platform for professionals to raise their brand’s awareness among the trade, as well as to sell directly to a consumer audience and forge new contacts with top industry figures.

The show gives interior designers, decorators, furniture and furnishing buying groups and retailers the opportunity to see and buy hundreds of new products, learn the latest industry developments and network with like-minded professionals, all under one roof.

In fact, research shows that 86% of the show’s trade visitors come specifically to find new products and services, while half of the attending trade buyers have sole purchasing responsibility and 40% share that responsibility jointly.

For exhibitors, not only does Decorex Durban create brand awareness and reinforce existing business relationships as well as customer loyalty, it also provides the opportunity to take advantage of the massive media exposure the show generates and, ultimately, to position oneself at the heart of an influential network of some of the country’s greatest designers, educators, entrepreneurs, retailers and thinkers.

22nd January 2015

Read the December issue of Africa Design Magazine and don't miss the KSA article.

Read the latest edition of Africa Design Magazine and don't miss the article about the KSA on pages 30/31. Go to the address below to read the December issue:
http://www.joomag.com/magazine/african-design-magazine-december-2014/0381445001417383419?short

22nd January 2015

KSA members invited to participate in Habitat kitchen feature

Habitat magazine would like to invite KSA members to be part of their March/April kitchen focus edition. KSA members will receive a massive 20% discount on any double / full or half page advert booked. To take advantage of this great offer contact Gary Graham on gary.graham@telkomsa.net

11th January 2015

What rights does a business have during load shedding

Cape Talk Radio presenter Kino Kammies interviewed Bernard Reisner, Industrial relations consultant, on load shedding and what rights employers have when it comes to paying staff and managing working hours during load shedding.

• When production is halted due to load shedding you, as the employer, have the right to consider the stoppage time (to a maximum of 75 minutes) as rest periods like tea and lunch.
• You do have the right to restructure working hours but only on negotiation and agreement with your staff or their union shop steward.
• Should the employees refuse to accept renegotiated work hours you do have the right to retrench them.
• If your staff are paid per hour you can only refuse to pay them for the hours where work has stopped due to load-shedding if they have their consent. If they have not consented then you are required to compensate them for the hours when load shedding has occurred.